# LiDAR Pointer vs RTAB

The clearest difference is rating: RTAB at 4.8 against LiDAR Pointer's 3.3. RTAB also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 60%) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LiDAR Pointer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. RTAB asks for nothing beyond the download.

RTAB holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 39 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of LiDAR Pointer's written reviews are positive against 100% of RTAB's.

LiDAR Pointer ships an update every 23 months, RTAB every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LiDAR Pointer | RTAB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lidar-pointer/id1555423445/reviews) | **[4.8 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rtab-map-3d-lidar-scanner/id1564774365/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **39** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 3 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Goldgewicht Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/1212140131) | [Mathieu Labbe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1564774367) |

## What reviewers say

### LiDAR Pointer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lidar-pointer/id1555423445)

Measure distances and angles using your device's LiDAR sensor. Get audio readouts of measurements and use the flashlight for better accuracy in low light. Requires a LiDAR-equipped device.

**Highlights:** Measure distance to surfaces, Indicate device inclination angle, Oral distance measurement via speech, Flashlight for extra light, Supports iPhone and iPad

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $12.99 | per year |


### RTAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rtab-map-3d-lidar-scanner/id1564774365)

This utility app enables real-time 3D scanning and mapping of environments using LiDAR or RGB-D sensors. It features online loop closure detection and map optimization for immediate feedback, with export options for various 3D formats.

**Highlights:** Online 3D scanning and mapping, Loop closure detection and map correction, Save maps in DB format, Export in PLY, LAS, or OBJ, Multi-session mapping, AR/VR visualization mode

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LiDAR Pointer free?

LiDAR Pointer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is RTAB free?

RTAB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LiDAR Pointer or RTAB?

RTAB is rated higher. LiDAR Pointer averages 3.3 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while RTAB averages 4.8 from 39 ratings.

### Do LiDAR Pointer or RTAB have ads?

Neither LiDAR Pointer nor RTAB shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LiDAR Pointer or RTAB?

LiDAR Pointer ships an update every 23 months, and RTAB every 4 months. Most recently, LiDAR Pointer was updated on September 21, 2026 and RTAB on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*